Near Bakhmut, Ukraine- The Ukrainian president and top security officials held a meeting on Friday to discuss measures to prevent leaks of military information while fighting in Bakhmut killed seven civilians and China pressured to end war.
Military reports emerged that secret documents related to Western support for Ukraine were leaked online.
The statement issued by the president's office did not confirm the leak but outlined the topics discussed at the meeting, including the need to prevent the disclosure of defence plans.
The New York Times had reported earlier that the Pentagon was investigating how documents containing US and NATO plans to strengthen the Ukrainian military before a planned counter-offensive against Russian forces had been posted on social media channels.
Ukrainian officials have suggested that the leak may be part of a Russian disinformation campaign aimed at undermining Ukraine's counter-offensive plans.
On the warfront Ukrainian soldiers near Bakhmut are preparing for a counteroffensive once the weather improves, while French President Emmanuel Macron and European Union head Ursula von der Leyen have urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to use his influence to persuade Russia to end the conflict and engage in negotiations.
Xi has positioned China as a potential mediator but is perceived by the West as siding with Russia. He stated his willingness to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and a diplomatic source claimed that China was willing to work with France to push for negotiations. However, an adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin rated the likelihood of peace talks beginning this year as "zero."
Violence continues, with shelling in Donetsk and explosions in Lysychansk resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. Bakhmut, one of the last urban areas in the eastern Donetsk province not yet under Russian control, has been the site of a months-long battle, with significant casualties on both sides.
Ukraine has framed its defense of Bakhmut as a means of wearing down Russian forces, and plans a counteroffensive in late April-May. However, Putin's adviser downplayed the likelihood of Ukraine's success. France's Macron has asked China to pressure Russia to end the war and refrain from supplying it with weapons, while von der Leyen expects China to support a just peace that respects Ukraine's territorial sovereignty.
The situation remains tense, with territorial discussions off the table until all of Moscow's troops have left Ukraine.